On March 20, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medallist, announced that they have filed criminal lawsuits against the operator of Garo Sero Research Institute and members of late actor Kim Sae-ron’s family.
The agency released a detailed statement, expressing their strong condemnation of the incident and clarifying the nature of the lawsuit. According to Gold Medallist, they have formally lodged a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-eui, the operator of the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute. During a live broadcast, Kim Sae-eui shared a private, compromising photo of Kim Soo-hyun, reportedly depicting the actor with his pants down. The photo, the agency claims, was illegally provided by an individual identifying as Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, along with other members of the late actress’s family.
Gold Medallist emphasized that this act not only constitutes a serious breach of privacy but also amounts to sexual harassment under South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc., of Sexual Crimes, specifically targeting the distribution of unauthorized, intimate footage. The agency condemned the actions as malicious and defamatory, stressing that such behavior should not be tolerated in any form, especially from a public platform with a significant following.
The statement went on to clarify that the photo was taken during a private moment when Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were involved in a romantic relationship. The agency argued that there was absolutely no justification for making such an image public, branding the act as a clear violation of Kim Soo-hyun’s dignity and personal rights. They further accused Garo Sero Research Institute of engaging in blackmail, revealing that the channel had allegedly threatened to release more private images if the actor did not comply with their demands. Gold Medallist expressed deep disappointment over the situation, vowing to take strong legal measures to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent further damage to Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation, career, and emotional well-being.
The scandal has already begun affecting Kim Soo-hyun’s professional commitments. His highly anticipated appearance at the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival in Taiwan, scheduled for the end of March, is now under review by the event’s organizers. If the decision is made to drop him from the lineup, he could face a hefty financial penalty of 1.32 billion KRW (approximately USD 911,000). This would mark one of his biggest financial losses to date — a devastating blow, considering his long-standing popularity in Taiwan and other international markets.
A festival representative, speaking to ET Today, stated, “As of now, the event will proceed as originally planned. If any changes arise, we will respond immediately and handle the situation appropriately while considering consumer rights.” The organizers are reportedly monitoring the public’s reaction closely, as the controversy continues to dominate headlines.
The scandal has also sparked unexpected backlash for fellow actor Jung Hae-in, who has found himself involuntarily pulled into the controversy. Fans flooded Jung Hae-in’s Instagram account with comments referencing Kim Soo-hyun’s situation, drawing comparisons and expressing concern. Some comments were sympathetic, while others reflected disillusionment. One fan wrote, “Some people are really traumatized by Kim Soo-hyun, and that’s true! But seriously, commenting on your favorite actor’s post saying, ‘I hope you’re not like Kim Soo-hyun,’ is just wild, man!” Another commented, “Hope Jung Hae-in won’t have a scandal like Kim Soo-hyun. Stay safe, oppa!”
The online discourse has become increasingly polarized, with fans debating the ethics of privacy, media exploitation, and celebrity accountability. Many supporters of Kim Soo-Hyun have rallied to his defense, condemning Garo Sero’s actions as malicious character assassination, while others argue that celebrities must exercise caution in their personal lives to avoid such scandals.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Korean entertainment industry remains on edge. Kim Soo-hyun’s future projects, brand endorsements, and international engagements now hang in the balance. Industry experts predict that the final verdict — and the public’s response — could reshape the actor’s career and influence how similar scandals are handled in the future.
For now, Kim Soo-hyun has maintained his silence, refraining from public comments. Gold Medallist reiterated their commitment to protecting their artist’s dignity and mental health, stating, “We will not tolerate any further violations of privacy, and we will pursue all available legal options to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
This is not the first time Garo Sero Research Institute has been embroiled in controversy, having previously faced criticism for spreading unverified rumors and attacking celebrities. However, this latest incident has intensified calls for stronger legal regulations against online defamation and media misconduct in South Korea — a debate that now involves both politicians and human rights advocates.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Kim Soo-hyun, with fans, media outlets, and industry insiders watching closely to see how both the legal proceedings and his professional engagements evolve.
